Eating raw vegan doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated, especially when you’re looking for lunch ideas that are quick, filling, and easy on the wallet. Whether you’re a long-time raw foodie or just curious about adding more fresh, plant-based meals to your day, you’ll love how simple and satisfying these cheap raw vegan lunch recipes are.
Not only do they take minimal prep time, but they’re also bursting with color, flavor, and nutrition—perfect for busy workdays or relaxed afternoons at home. In this post, you’ll discover three of my favorite raw vegan lunches: Rainbow Veggie Collard Wraps, Chickpea-Free Raw Hummus & Veggie Dippers, and a Superfood Apple-Carrot Salad.
All three are easy on your grocery bill, require basic equipment, and are endlessly customizable. Let’s dive in and bring some fresh inspiration to your lunchtime routine!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Budget-Friendly: These recipes use everyday ingredients found at most grocery stores, making them accessible for all budgets.
- No Cooking Required: Perfect for those hot days or when you’re short on time—just chop, blend, and enjoy!
- Fresh & Flavorful: The natural flavors of raw fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds shine through in every bite.
- Portable: All three recipes are easy to pack and take on the go, whether you’re headed to work, school, or a picnic.
- Customizable: Swap in your favorite veggies, seeds, or dressings to suit your taste or what you have on hand.
- Loaded with Nutrition: Raw vegan lunches are rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber, and healthy fats to keep you feeling energized and satisfied.
Cheap Raw Vegan Lunch Recipes
Rainbow Veggie Collard Wraps
Ingredients
Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
---|---|---|
Collard green leaves | 4 large | Destemmed, whole |
Carrot | 1 large | Julienned or shredded |
Red bell pepper | 1/2 medium | Julienned |
Cucumber | 1/2 medium | Julienned |
Avocado | 1/2 | Sliced |
Purple cabbage | 1/2 cup | Finely shredded |
Sunflower seeds | 2 tbsp | Raw |
Lemon juice | 1 tbsp | Freshly squeezed |
Sea salt | Pinch | Optional |
Equipment
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Vegetable peeler or julienne peeler
- Mixing bowl
- Small spoon
Instructions
- Wash and destem the collard leaves by carefully slicing off the thick stem at the base and shaving down the raised spine so the leaf is flexible.
- Prepare the fillings: Julienne or thinly slice the carrot, bell pepper, and cucumber. Finely shred the purple cabbage. Slice the avocado.
- Lay a collard leaf flat on your cutting board. Place a small handful of each veggie, a few avocado slices, and a sprinkle of sunflower seeds in the center.
- Drizzle with lemon juice and add a pinch of sea salt if desired.
- Fold in the sides of the collard leaf, then roll up tightly from the bottom, burrito-style. Repeat with remaining leaves and fillings.
- Slice each wrap in half if desired, and serve immediately, or wrap tightly in parchment for later.
Tips & Variations
“Collard leaves are sturdy and make the perfect low-cost, nutrient-dense wrap. If you can’t find collards, try Swiss chard or large romaine leaves.”
- Add a spread of raw hummus or cashew cheese before filling for extra creaminess.
- Swap in shredded beet, sprouts, or any raw veggie you have on hand.
- For a spicy kick, add a dash of hot sauce or sliced jalapeño.
- Need more protein? Toss in hemp seeds or chopped walnuts.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per 2 Wraps |
---|---|
Calories | 210 |
Protein | 5g |
Fat | 12g |
Carbohydrates | 23g |
Fiber | 9g |
Vitamin A | 120% DV |
Vitamin C | 90% DV |
Serving Suggestions
- Pack wraps whole for a picnic or work lunch; slice into “sushi-style” pieces for a fun presentation.
- Serve alongside a small container of raw tahini dipping sauce or homemade Maple Bourbon Pickles for extra flavor.
- Pair with a cold-pressed juice or a side of cut fruit for a complete raw meal.
Chickpea-Free Raw Hummus & Veggie Dippers
Ingredients
Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
---|---|---|
Zucchini | 1 medium (about 1 cup chopped) | Peeled |
Raw tahini | 2 tbsp | |
Lemon juice | 2 tbsp | Fresh |
Olive oil | 1 tbsp | Cold-pressed |
Garlic | 1 small clove | |
Cumin | 1/2 tsp | Ground |
Sea salt | 1/4 tsp | Or to taste |
Assorted raw veggies for dipping | 2 cups | Carrot, celery, bell pepper, cucumber, etc. |
Equipment
- Blender or food processor
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Vegetable peeler
- Serving bowl
Instructions
- Peel and chop the zucchini into chunks for easier blending.
- Add zucchini, tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, cumin, and sea salt to a blender or food processor.
- Blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Slice raw veggies into sticks or rounds for dipping.
- Spoon hummus into a bowl and drizzle with a little extra olive oil and a sprinkle of paprika or chopped parsley if desired.
- Serve immediately with veggie dippers, or refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Tips & Variations
“Zucchini is a budget superstar that blends into a surprisingly creamy, light hummus—perfect for raw diets and anyone avoiding legumes.”
- Try swapping tahini for raw sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option.
- Add a handful of fresh herbs like cilantro or basil for a flavor twist.
- Top with diced tomato or olives for a Mediterranean flair.
- Use this hummus as a spread in wraps or sandwiches for extra creaminess.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Serving (1/2 batch with veggies) |
---|---|
Calories | 140 |
Protein | 3g |
Fat | 10g |
Carbohydrates | 12g |
Fiber | 4g |
Vitamin C | 35% DV |
Serving Suggestions
- Pack hummus and veggies in separate containers for a work or school lunch.
- Serve with raw crackers or dehydrated seed bread for a more filling meal.
- Pair with a chilled fruit smoothie or try alongside this Lemon Straws Recipe for a zesty dessert.
Superfood Apple-Carrot Salad
Ingredients
Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
---|---|---|
Apple | 1 medium | Grated |
Carrot | 1 large | Grated |
Raisins | 2 tbsp | |
Raw pumpkin seeds | 2 tbsp | Or sunflower seeds |
Lemon juice | 1 tbsp | Fresh |
Maple syrup (optional) | 1 tsp | Raw or omit for sugar-free |
Chia seeds | 1 tbsp | Optional, for extra fiber |
Pinch of cinnamon | to taste | Optional |
Equipment
- Box grater or food processor with shredding blade
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon
Instructions
- Grate the apple and carrot using a box grater or food processor. Add to a mixing bowl.
- Add raisins, pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, and a pinch of cinnamon to the bowl.
- Drizzle with lemon juice and maple syrup (if using).
- Toss everything together until well mixed. Let sit for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the chia seeds to absorb moisture.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate in a covered container for up to 24 hours.
Tips & Variations
“For extra crunch and color, add a handful of shredded purple cabbage or spiralized zucchini.”
- Substitute dried cranberries or chopped dates for the raisins.
- Mix in chopped fresh mint or parsley for a refreshing twist.
- For a creamier salad, stir in 1-2 tablespoons of raw almond yogurt.
- Play with textures: add diced celery or jicama for extra crunch.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 190 |
Protein | 4g |
Fat | 7g |
Carbohydrates | 32g |
Fiber | 6g |
Vitamin A | 80% DV |
Potassium | 18% DV |
Serving Suggestions
- Enjoy as a light lunch or snack, or serve over a bed of baby greens for extra volume.
- Pair with a cup of herbal tea and some Lemon Crackers for a satisfying lunchbox combo.
- Layer into a raw collard or nori wrap for a fun, handheld option.
Conclusion
Raw vegan lunches can be delicious, affordable, and endlessly creative—even on a tight budget. These three recipes show just how easy it is to make nourishing meals from simple, whole-food ingredients, without turning on the oven or stove.
Whether you’re rolling up vibrant collard wraps, dipping crunchy veggies into creamy raw hummus, or tossing together a sweet-tart apple-carrot salad, you’ll be fueling your body with pure plant power. Don’t be afraid to mix and match ingredients or add your own twist—raw vegan meals are all about celebrating freshness and variety.
For more creative plant-based ideas, check out recipes like our Lion’s Mane Mushroom Crumble or the vibrant Harvest Hash. Here’s to healthy, happy, and wallet-friendly lunches every day!
📖 Recipe Card: Raw Vegan Rainbow Salad Wraps
Description: Colorful and refreshing, these wraps are packed with crunchy veggies and a creamy avocado spread. Perfect for a quick, budget-friendly raw vegan lunch.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT0M
Total Time: PT15M
Servings: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 4 large collard green leaves, stems trimmed
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- 1/2 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 small cucumber, julienned
- 1/2 avocado, mashed
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 cup shredded purple cabbage
- 2 tablespoons sunflower seeds
Instructions
- Lay out collard green leaves on a flat surface.
- Mash avocado with lemon juice, olive oil, and salt.
- Spread avocado mixture onto each leaf.
- Top with carrot, bell pepper, cucumber, and cabbage.
- Sprinkle sunflower seeds over the veggies.
- Roll up each leaf tightly, tucking in the sides as you go.
- Slice in half and serve immediately.
Nutrition: Calories: 210 | Protein: 5g | Fat: 13g | Carbs: 20g
{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Raw Vegan Rainbow Salad Wraps”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “Colorful and refreshing, these wraps are packed with crunchy veggies and a creamy avocado spread. Perfect for a quick, budget-friendly raw vegan lunch.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT0M”, “totalTime”: “PT15M”, “recipeYield”: “2 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“4 large collard green leaves, stems trimmed”, “1 medium carrot, julienned”, “1/2 red bell pepper, thinly sliced”, “1 small cucumber, julienned”, “1/2 avocado, mashed”, “1 tablespoon lemon juice”, “1 teaspoon olive oil”, “1/4 teaspoon sea salt”, “1/2 cup shredded purple cabbage”, “2 tablespoons sunflower seeds”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Lay out collard green leaves on a flat surface.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Mash avocado with lemon juice, olive oil, and salt.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Spread avocado mixture onto each leaf.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Top with carrot, bell pepper, cucumber, and cabbage.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Sprinkle sunflower seeds over the veggies.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Roll up each leaf tightly, tucking in the sides as you go.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Slice in half and serve immediately.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “210”, “proteinContent”: “5g”, “fatContent”: “13g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “20g”}}